Starter Solenoid Does Not Click

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WDSECTION Starter Solenoid Does Not Click
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Did you perform the DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE ELECTRICAL? If so, go to next step. If not, go to DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE ELECTRICAL .
  2. Turn the ignition switch to the START position. Does the starter solenoid click? If so, go to INTERMITTENTS . If not, go to next step.
  3. Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the starter solenoid crank voltage circuit from the starter solenoid. Connect a test light between the starter solenoid crank voltage circuit of the starter solenoid and a good ground. Turn the ignition to the START position. Does the test light illuminate? If so, go to step  7. If not, go to next step.
  4. Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch. Connect a 10 Amp fused jumper between the crank voltage circuit of the PNP switch and the starter solenoid crank voltage circuit of the PNP switch. Turn the ignition to the START position. Does the test light illuminate? If so, go to step  8. If not, go to next step.
  5. Connect a test light between the crank voltage circuit of the PNP and a good ground. Turn the ignition to the START position. Does the test light illuminate? If so, go to step  11. If not, go to next step.
  6. Test the crank voltage circuit of the PNP switch for a high resistance or an open. Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to step  15. If not, go to step  10.
  7. Inspect for poor connection at starter solenoid. Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to step  15. If not, go to step  12.
  8. Inspect the PNP switch for proper operation. Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to step  15. If not, go to next step.
  9. Inspect for poor connection at the PNP switch. Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to step  15. If not, go to step  13.
  10. Inspect for poor connection at the ignition switch. Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to step  15. If not, go to step  14.
  11. Repair the high resistance or open in the starter solenoid crank voltage circuit. After repair is complete, go to step  15.
  12. Replace the starter. See STARTER MOTOR  under REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES. After replacement is complete, go to step  15.
  13. Replace the PNP switch. See PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH in SERVICING article in AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. After replacement is complete, go to step  15.
  14. Replace the ignition switch. See IGNITION SWITCH in GAUGES & INSTRUMENT PANEL article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. After replacement is complete, go to next step.
  15. Operate the system for which the symptom occurred. Did you correct the condition? If so, then system is okay. If not, go to step  2.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.